DecodedCars2006 Acura RSX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe FWD, 2dr Coupe FWD /Premium, 2dr Coupe FWD /Type S
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 24 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 172.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,705–2,848 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2006 subcompact car (21.2 MPG).
- Few owner complaints2 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 43 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Acura RSX is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,705 lb (2dr Coupe FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway), 23% better than the 2006 subcompact car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 RSX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 RSX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe FWD | 172.4 in | 68.1 in | 55.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,705 lb | 61/39 |
| 2dr Coupe FWD /Premium | 172.4 in | 68.1 in | 55.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,712 lb | 61/39 |
| 2dr Coupe FWD /Type S | 172.4 in | 68.1 in | 55.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,848 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSX | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | +23% | $2,600 | 342 |
| RSX | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +18% | $2,700 | 355 |
| RSX | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +8% | $3,550 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Acura RSX under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Acura RSX (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2006 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Volvo S60 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Infiniti G35 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Volvo S40 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Volvo C70 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Jun 13, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V246000 · 18,352 vehicles
- Problem
- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2006 Acura RSX vehicles manufactured January 18, 2006, through August 12, 2006; and model year 2006-2007 Honda S2000 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2006, through November 13, 2006. The brake booster may be unable to maintain a vacuum when the brake pedal is depressed, decreasing brake assist.
- Risk
- With reduced braking assistance, the vehicle may require additional brake pedal force to prevent a lengthened stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster assembly. If necessary, the dealers will replace the booster assembly free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's recall number is JA4. Acura's recall number is JA5.
Not every 2006 Acura RSX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Acura RSX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 193,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Acura RSX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RSX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 RSX | 26 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →